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“You are really able to put your skills to the test to help control potentially devastating diseases…the kind of outbreaks you read about in history books.”

Dr. Jane Ridky

What is the National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC)?
When an animal health emergency occurs, an immediate response is necessary to protect both animals and people. The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will look to many sources to obtain the veterinary personnel needed to help meet the critical staffing needs of such an emergency.

In 2001, APHIS established the NAHERC to respond to exotic disease outbreaks and other disasters which affect livestock, poultry, companion animals, and wildlife. More volunteers are urgently needed to assure a decisive response to any potential animal health crises.